January rarity: Twin Cities will end the month with no days below zero

Temperatures turn milder into the weekend, and widespread snow returns on Saturday. The return of warmer weather means it is now certain that the Twin Cities will make it through all of January without going below zero.

For the Twin Cities to make it through January without dropping below zero is a rare event.  On average, the metro area sees 11 days with negative temperatures. The coldest temperature for January was 1 degree on Jan. 22. 

That will hold as the coldest of the month because the milder weather coming last couple days of the month propels temperatures above average, putting lows in the teens and 20s.

The Twin Cities has only managed this mild milestone two other times, according to records going back 150 years.

(Thank you to the National Weather Service for the assist. They have access to all those historic readings!)

Thursday’s forecast

An area of high pressure has been maintaining colder weather in place across Minnesota this week, and especially when paired with clear skies and calm winds overnight, northern Minnesota saw couple bitterly cold mornings. That held for the Arrowhead again Thursday morning, with many temperatures 20 to 30 below zero. 

However, the high pressure is sliding to our east now, bringing a more southeasterly flow with it. 

That milder flow kept much of the state above zero overnight and into Thursday morning. 

That return of slightly warmer air brings seasonable high temperatures Thursday. Highs ranging from single digits north to 20s south are only a couple degrees below average for late January.

Skies will be partly sunny Thursday, and with the high pressure moving out, a minor weather disturbance makes its way into Minnesota during the evening, bringing the chance for flurries.

Back above average

The return of a warmer pattern puts all of Minnesota back above average Friday, with almost the entire state seeing highs in the 20s. 

By Saturday, a thaw returns to southern Minnesota, with temperatures in the low 30s. Here is that forecast for the Twin Cities:

Most of next week is also expected to stay above average with highs predominantly in the 20s and occasional 30s south.

Weekend snow

A storm sliding south and east of Minnesota over the weekend brings the state our next widespread snow event. 

The snow is projected to start already by Saturday morning, then continue on and off through possibly midday Sunday.

With the storm center well to our south, the state will see a relatively light snow, with most of the state getting 1 to 3 inches, and parts of western Minnesota may only see a dusting.

Southern Minnesota would be in a position to get slightly higher amounts, but with temperatures near freezing Saturday, it should be a wet snow that keeps totals lower. 

Do be aware the mild temperatures will make the snow heavier (higher water content), so be careful shoveling over the weekend!

Programming note

You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:48 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.